Winona State University Reviews

Check out reviews left by other students or leave your own review. You could win a free scholarship.

Krystal from Echo, MN

12/21/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

7 out of 7 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

I am a farm girl from a really small town, so I wanted to go to a University that was in a nice sized town, but not too crazy at the same time. I do not think that I would have been comfortable in any university in a huge city! Any city that large is at least 2 hours away from where I live, so I'm not used to that atmosphere. Winona is a very laid back city with friendly people in it. It's definitely a bigger town than any town in my area of world where I grew up, but it doesn't feel crazy. I feel safe walking around town at any time of day. Winona has great science courses and is great for medical majors!

Tips for prospective students

Some students that I know in Winona that are from the Twin Cities or other really big cities sometimes say that the city of Winona doesn't have very many things to do in it. Well if they are from huge cities, Winona obviously isn't going to have all of the entertainment available that those cities have. However, for a small town girl like me, Winona is the perfect sized city to go to college in! College students are so busy and there are so many things to do on campus that I don't feel like I have tons of extra time to drive around the city looking for things to do. Other random tips: Apply to the University early and apply for housing as soon as possible. Housing is first come first serve - you will have a much better chance of getting the housing you want if you apply early. Also, don't be afraid to email professors and other faculty at the university if you have questions about anything; they are happy to help you and often respect students who show a real effort in their college experience. Try to contact your roommate before you move in so you can decide who is bringing what appliances in your dorm. You can also decide if you want to loft your beds or just bunk them. Otherwise, just do what you've been told your whole life - do as well as you can in high school and look forward to college with a positive attitude! :)

Bang for the buck

Winona State is an amazing university for a great price! Let's face it, college is expensive no matter where you go. Thankfully, Winona is actually less expensive than many universities! Also, Winona has a great reputation for academics, so it is definitely worth the investment! Scholarships are easy to apply for at Winona during the admissions process. Once you are accepted to the university, you are automatically registered for any scholarships you are eligible for from the university. It's that easy!

Am enjoying being here

I do absolutely love Winona - both the college and the city. The college campus is beautiful! I love how the campus is big enough that you meet new people everyday, but small enough that you recognize people around campus each day, too! The bluffs in the city of Winona are a great place to meet up with people and go hiking on. The lake next to campus has a great running/walking path around it that MANY people take advantage of! It's a great way to relax from anxieties of life for a while and just take in some fresh air. I love the college life in general! I love the freedom and responsibility of sort of being on my own. Each day is a new experience and it teaches me something new. I LOVE Winona State University! :)

Am learning a lot

Winona is a great college! I am absolutely learning a lot of information in a variety of classes! I am a nursing major, and I brought a year's worth of credits in with me from taking PSEO classes during my junior and senior years of high school. Therefore, most of my classes are prerequisites for the nursing major. Most of my classes are science related classes. I love them! They keep me busy, but I'm doing well in them and learning a lot. The professors are great and easy to talk to! Also, the science building is incredible (my favorite building on campus) so labs are organized as well!

Anna from Clear Lake, MN

11/06/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

If you are a hard working student who is passionate about what you want to do, this is the place for you to dive right in. Or if you still need to decide and explore your options, this is the perfect place for you!

Tips for prospective students

My best advice for prospective students would be to come in with some credits if possible. Not only does it put you ahead of other freshman, but it allows you to choose your classes before the other freshman, makes finishing in four years more likely if you choose to pursue a minor, and gets you used to taking college classes. As a freshman, make sure you step out of your comfort zone to meet people. Sure, it will be awkward, but that is the best way to meet friends you will have for the next four years! Lastly, explore the scholarships that the school offers. Winona offers many different scholarships for diverse subjects, so you should be able to find one for you. Just spend the time...it's worth it!

Bang for the buck

Winona offers many scholarships ranging from diversity to music to merit to major specified. It is one of the most reasonably priced MNSCU schools in the state and I have saved a lot of money going here. You may not even need college loans!

Am enjoying being here

Winona has a variety of activities to do when you are not studying. Going downtown is always fun and there are a lot of fun shops within walking distance of campus. The lakes always have a beautiful view for walking, running, biking, or rollerblading. There is also free canoeing in the summer and free ice-skating in the winter. Lacrosse and Rochester is a 45 min drive away and has lots of great restaurants and stores. Winona may be small, but it has lots of things to do!

Am learning a lot

The classes are excellent and the professors are very knowledgeable about their fields. The classes are very comprehensive and complete. If you are having trouble with a class, Supplemental Instruction and tutoring are incredibly helpful! I have learned a ton since I have been here and feel very ready for my occupation.

Lauren from Apple Valley, MN

Great for those who like a smaller school that still offers many opportunities.

Tips for prospective students

Check out West Campus if you don't mind scheduling in a few more minutes for taking the short bus ride to main campus!

Am enjoying being here

I love going to Winona State because of all of the friends I have made and all of the sporting events, groups and clubs, as well as other fun events such as concerts!

Am learning a lot

I am learning a lot at WSU and the helpful teachers really help out with this. Whenever I have an issue or have questions about a class I find it very easy to meet with the professors to talk about anything and everything.

Samantha from Robbinsdale, MN

07/14/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

If you're someone who loves nature, learning, being outside, meeting great people and wanting to be your best, Winona State University is the right school for you. If you get distracted easily, it's great to not have all of those fast food places and stores were you can easily waste your time and money (I know I would!). If you love small classroom sizes and an easy campus to navigate around with some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet, you are sure to love Winona State and be happy as a clam here. Schedule a tour today!

Tips for prospective students

Be yourself! Everyone else will be shy upon moving in, but everything will work itself out. As long as you're open, outgoing and most importantly willing to get to know people that are different from you, you will undoubtably meet some of the most incredible people. You don't need a roommate! I didn't have one and still met some great friends. I never had a problem meeting people and in fact, loved my space and time to myself. If you'd rather have one, go for it! In most cases it works out just fine, and if you find that you and your roommate clash-that's perfectly fine! This will be a growing experience and you won't regret it. Go to class! I know that it seems pretty awesome that you can skip whenever you want, but trust me, more professors want you in class than not. If you skip, you may be setting yourself up for failure by missing notes, assignments and participation. As most of my classes are discussion based, the professor notice if you're there or not and take this into account when grading. Go to class and get noticed! Talk and interact and participate. This will do you much more good than harm. Be safe! This will be the first time for many (including myself) to go off to parties and experiment with drinking and drugs. While this is inevitable and whether or not you participate, you need to watch your back! You will be considered guilty by association even if you stay sober. So be safe! If you choose to drink and party (and there's nothing wrong with this), use your head! Stay with a loyal friend who will watch your back. Watch the time and make sure your priorities are straight. Don't overdo it and learn your limits. If you do this, you'll make some incredible memories.

Bang for the buck

Winona State can be very affordable if you live off of campus. While I wouldn't change my freshman year for the world, I spent a lot of money living on west campus in a single dorm paying for a daily meal plan. Watch where you stay and make your own food as much as possible! I know campus food is convenient, but it certainly adds up! As a junior, I now live in my very own house with four other girls and pay my own rent, heat, electricity and cable. While this may seem like a lot, but sharing these expenses with roommates and paying as you go is certainly cheaper in the long run! If you stick to this strategy and simply pay for classes, Winona State University is definitely worth your buck!

Am enjoying being here

The town is wonderful and although there isn't much to do, simply being outside is plentiful. The beautiful bluffs give a breath of fresh air every day I look outside my window, and biking around the lakes will always remain one of my favorite pass times here. If you're not one for nature, going to WalMart in the middle of the night is always interesting and fun! There aren't too many distractions around so it's great to be able to focus on what's really important, and frankly the whole reason you're here--school! I have met some incredible people and made some amazing friends, and the best part is that I continue to do so as I grow! Everyone is really friendly and it's not a rare occurrence to walk by a stranger and hear a friendly greeting.

Am learning a lot

The best part about Winona State University is the small campus (and very beautiful) along with the small classroom sizes. As a Mass Communications major, the majority of my classes are discussion based. When the classes are smaller ranging from 10-25 students, it really gives everyone a great opportunity to get to know their peers and the other students who are interested in the same thing you are! It allows you to get outside of the box and meet some truly fascinating people! Plus, knowing your colleagues makes it so much easier to learn, participate and truly enjoy learning. The professors at Winona State have been truly incredible and some of the most helpful and dedicated people I've met. After building strong relationships with some professors, I've been able to learn so much more about the future and was able to get all of the help I needed without feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable. My advisor and professor has opened so many doors for me and not only encouraged me to do my best, but inspired me to do even better. They are one of the best characteristics of Winona State!

Anthony from Winona, MN

02/07/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

there is a 24 hour security service on campus that is constantly patrolling the campus. there are also emergency responder kiosks, that when activated dispatch local police to the location of the kiosk, and connect a direct line to an emergency responder while emulating a high pitched noise to draw attention to the area.

wsu has over 100 clubs and is constantly offering students opportunities to get involved in community and campus activities.

Great for these types of students

wsu is great for all kinds of students. its big enough that i always has something going on, but its small enough were the professors know your name. the student body has so much diversity, that its almost impossible to not meet a large variety of people, and make friends.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

wsu has a huge basketball legacy, in the past 6 years the team has won two national division two championships, one in 2006 the other in 2008, and have been ranked in the top 25 since then. the campus also offers a wide variety of study areas and beautiful architecture, from a terrace over looking the campus, to quiet study room in the library. every student will find a comfortable study space in every building.

Bang for the buck

the cost of state college now days is getting more expensive. between tuition, housing, school supplies, and food you end up spending a decent amount of money. winona offers students countless scholarships to students, and on campus jobs. probably the best part about wsu is that they give you a laptop, as part as there e warrior program. the laptop is used as a person laptop that the school leases to you, and every two year's gives you a new up dated laptop. the computers all come preloaded with the most up to date soft wear of every program you could use for school. they also give the students the option of a windows laptop, or a macintosh laptop.

What to do for fun

the college is constantly holding events like, concerts, comedians, informational speakers, ect. every week there is some college sponsored event going on. around the town, winona is right on the mississippi river, and surrounded by bluffs. iv spend many days exploring the surrounding environment and always finding something to, like swimming and hiking, during the summer months. each residence hall has a volleyball court that are open in fall and late spring. students are always having pick up games, and its a great way to meet people. in the winter when the small lakes freeze over they make for great skating rinks for out door activities. year round the wellness center has a indoor track, two basketball courts, and a whole level of weight lifting equipment to occupy your time no matter what time of the year it is. winona is very touristy and has tons of unique shops downtown and round the area that always have something interesting in them. there is just so many things i could list off, but ill let you discover the rest on your own.

Food and Dining

the food is absolutely fantastic. chartwells our dinning service offers two main cafeterias, on recently remodeled in 2009 on main campus, and the lourdes dinning hall on west campus. the variety of the food changes everyday, so there are always new options! on campus there is a large area in the commons building that sports a convince store, a burger joint, a sub shop, smoothies, and the smaug, that opens during lunch hours offering students, mexican, asian, italian, and soups for lunch.

Dorm Life

winona houses more then 3000 students on campus, and on 2 residential campus located about a half mile east and west of main campus, with a shuttle schedule for student transport. wsu is constantly renovating the dorms to keep them updated with the demands of the student body. in 2010 they opened two new housing facilities for upper clansmen just across the street from campus to facilitate on campus living in an apartment style setting.

Academic Rigor

although its a state college, the level of competency required by the average student some times makes you feel you're at an ivy league school. professors are constantly challenging the students to over achieve, and surpass the normal stigma of the undergraduate model. so the students are prepared for the career path they have chosen.

Tips for prospective students

talk with advising counselors about potential career paths. get to know the professors in your department, and the staff you meet will become great resources and contacts for the future. exhaust all options before picking a major, you have plenty of time to graduate, so make sure you graduate with a degree you have a passion for.

In three sentences

the campus of the school is beautiful, and has every tree industrious to minnesota growing on the campus.has over 100+ major and minor undergraduate programs, with a wide range of specializations within each department. the staff and professors are friendly, and are always will to help in or out of class.

Danielle from LA Crosse, WI

07/09/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

Although you are in a small city and WSU is a relatively safe campus, keep an eye out! Try not to walk alone at night but if you have to then always keep your cell phone close, turn your iPod off and stay alert! The Shuttle busses run from 7 am until about 2 am most days of the week so you always have that option if you need to walk from one side of campus to another!

Greek Life

Not my cup of tea but there are a number of sororities and fraternities to be involved in -- and no it's not like what you see in the movies! The Sisters and Brothers at WSU are very philanthropic and involved in community events and they also host super fun events on campus!

Clubs and Activities

Sooooo many different one's that I can't even begin to list them. Check out the boards in the hallways for listings -- look on the WSU website -- and listen around on campus for invitations from different speakers and students!

Great for these types of students

Students coming from a small town or city -- there are so many people every year in my classes that are from farms or small towns I have never heard of! I feel like an outsider saying that I never grew up on a farm sometimes! :) Students who are okay with a mellow laid back city atmosphere -- You aren't going to find the hustle and bustle of a Metropolitan city here but there are always things to do! Students who love outdoorsy stuff -- Lots of natural resources to be enjoyed

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Garvin point is a super cool place to go day or night! You can see the whole city, the rivers and the bluffs from up there and it is BREATHTAKING! St. Mary's University Disc Golf Course is to DIE FOR! It's beautiful and only a few miles away from the WSU campus. Jefferson's get's really good hip hop artists every once in a while as does the Dibb's Cafe! Find them on Facebook to keep up with their events!

Bang for the buck

If you are living by yourself get some roomates to help keep costs down. Learn how to cook. Share Internet with your neighbours (and get a RCVA hook up for your TV so you can watch shows from your computer). Bike, Walk, Board or bus everywhere! WSU has campus shuttles from main to west campus so if you live on the west side you can get off on the shuttle bus to avoid a 12 block walk. Get on Facebook and find people to share rides with-- I used to take a few girls groocery shopping/ errand running with me whenever I went because I had a car and they didn't and carrying all that stuff on the bus is not fun!

What to do for fun

Hike, Bike, school functions, group outings, club events, longboarding, cafes, live music, festivals, and water activities!

Food and Dining

I always cooked for myself to keep my living expenses low but the cafeterias on campus have really good food. There are restaurant like options in the SMAUG (and super good at that) and there are numerous places to dine on campus. Wing night is always fun at Za Za's! And you don't have to be 21 to go there!

Dorm Life

Although I haven't ever lived in the dorms I really wish I would have for my freshman year! You will meet so many people and have so many opportunities to interact with people from all over the world! The Dorms on the West Campus are super cool! There are co-ed dorms as well as non co-ed dorms. The RA's are always very nice (even as someone who didn't live in a dorm i've had classes with them and they are super friendly) so go on tours, ask people what they think of the dorms and then make the decision for yourself.

Academic Rigor

For transfer students -- You have to have a C or better for courses to be counted For current students -- Most Colleges at WSU (College of Business, College of Science and Engineering, College of Nursing etc) require at LEAST a C for credit to be considered. For all Students -- You are expected to maintain a certain GPA and to complete a minimum percentage of classes or else you will be academically suspended (you can't take classes the next semester or even sometimes a year) and/or Financial Aid suspended (meaning you can possibly take classes but your financial aid will not be applied for it for a certain amount of time) So..... keep those grades up! Check in with your professors periodically to help assess your progress, take advantage of the free tutoring services and make study buddies in your classes!

Tips for prospective students

****Get involved with different groups/clubs/organizations - it's a great way to meet new friends! (Especially if you are coming in as a new student not knowing anyone on campus) ****Bring your bike and your hiking shoes - Winona is a beautiful city along the Mississippi river and the campus has numerous biking and hiking trails to offer -- it's also a small enough city that during the spring, summer and fall months you will easily be able to commute. ****Find study buddies in your classes -- This will help you stay focused on your courses and also help you build a network or scholastic support, plus you might meet a lifelong classmate or friend! ****Talk to your professors outside of class -- you will be surprised what kind of supportive relationships you will find by putting in the extra effort to get to know your professors and let them get to know you, they might be able to show you doors of opportunity that you might have missed otherwise. ****Learn to love winter activities -- Winters can get some people down but if you learn to love the snow you will have a blast! You can snow shoe, cross country ski, downhill ski (the PE department even offers classes on this!), sled and if you get a big enough group of people together, you could even make one impressive snowman! ****Look into taking group trips to sporting events-- if you are a sports fan like me you will absolutely love the group trips WSU offers to various MN sports team games..... and the prices, well you just can't beat them! ****Use Rate My Professor . com -- If you aren't sure on what the courses will be set up like or how the delivery from the professor will be definitely check out the website RateMyProfessor . com to give you some guidance. Read through most of the posts (we all know that there are some people that just like to complain for the sake of complaining) but for the most part students will give you accurate feedback about the class layout, delivery and professor personality! Everybody has different learning styles and the difference in teaching styles could be the difference between a D and an A! ****Check out the music scene- The Acoustic Cafe, Dibbs Cafe, Ed's No Name, Jefferson's and other venues offer a wide variety of live music. Many are 18+ shows so you won't have to worry about not being able to go because of age limitations. ****Take a Deep Breath -- College can be difficult, whether it's deciding to go, where to go, when to go, how long to go, how to pay for it, how to handle it or how to get through it, just know that YOU CAN DO IT! There is always a way. Just take a deep breath, talk to as many people as you can to find your answers and ALWAYS ask questions. ***Good Luck!

In three sentences

WSU is an intimate campus setting where you will always find a Minnesota Nice atmosphere. Although many of the students come from smaller Midwestern cities and towns you will find a large population of International Students and Professors. At WSU there are so many different groups, organizations, clubs, sports, and extra curricular activities that there is always a place for anyone who attends!

Chelsea from Watertown, WI

07/09/2011

Reviewer is A past student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Students looking for a small town feel/who are intimidated by bigger-city schools. It almost has a high school vibe to it, where you can get to know and recognized the majority of the people on campus.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure that you want a small-town college. When I toured Winona, I loved the campus itself, but after moving there, I realized the overall town was too small and claustrophobic for me. I needed a bigger city. If possible, come with a car. It makes traveling around the city much more enjoyable. Try to live on West Campus if that feels like the right place for you - it's slightly more expensive, and it can sometimes be a nightmare waiting for the bus, but it was a fantastic experience for me. West Campus goes above and beyond to create special events just for its tenants - there are study areas, tennis courts, a fitness center, pool, cafeteria, and anything you'd desperately need right there. Not to mention, Dominos is only a few blocks away. Make sure to get in touch with your roommate before move in day - that way no one's bringing two of everything and it's less stressful trying to figure out how to fit everything into your room. Get invovled. I personally suffered from terrible homesickness and just felt like staying in my room, skyping my friends, but you really need to put yourself out there. The first week is full of activities like comedians and movies, and it's a great way to connect with everyone. Keep your dorm door open and feel free to introduce yourself to anyone who walks past. Take time to hang out in floor lounges to get to get to meet people. Also, take the time to venture out around town and see what there all is to offer right away.

Bang for the buck

Overall, Winona provides a fantastic education for it's cost. Most universities either cost thousands more per semester, or they cost just as much as Winona, but don't offer nearly as many diverse classes as Winona does.

Did enjoy being here

Winona is a beautiful town with lots of things to do if you go out looking for them. There's a great movie theater, a club, an aquatic center, the lake, hiking the bluffs, and many other places to explore in town. The only downside, I felt, was that there's no transportation - so you either have to know someone with a car, or get ready to hike around town. I fell into the second category. The school also is great at organizing events and providing things to do.

Did learn a lot

All of my classes at Winona were fantastic. The majority of my professors were easy to get along with and willing to help me out in whatever way possible. And the ones who weren't willing to reach out and get to know the class were still very knowledgeable. The class sizes were small and great for personalized learning. The largest class I took had about 70 people in it, but it still felt small and intimate. I personally didn't feel very challenged by course curriculum, even with a 15 credit course load, but that's most likely due to the fact that they were all freshman, entry level classes.

Deanna from Minneapolis, MN

Winona State is a very cheap school with good classes and learning programs. You get a lot for your money at Winona State. It's a great school and yet still affordable for everyone.

Am enjoying being here

Winona State is a great place, there are lots of nice people, who are friendly and love to have fun. You are sure to make lots of friends here. They have lots of clubs and organizations to join to help you make friends. They also have lots of sports too.

Am learning a lot

Winona State is a great school, they have some good programs and they really try to help you succeed and get good grades.They have very good teachers who are willing to help and have very convenient office hours.

N

Students who would like to live in a smaller, more laid back town with out a ton of disturbances. The people are really friendly! It is cold, so be prepared with lots of warm clothes!

Tips for prospective students

-apply early -email professors if you are lost in class - join study groups early. this will help you meet people and study together -join other extra curricular activities. -go to the games- football, bball, etc -don't party too much!

Bang for the buck

Winona is pretty cheap compared to other schools I looked at and since it is a good school I would say yes!

Did enjoy being here

The town and campus are beautiful! Since it is in a small town, there isn't a ton of things going on. There are lots of school sponsored activities that you could be involved in.

Did learn a lot

The class sizes are small compared to many other colleges and so there is a lot of interaction between peers and the professors. All the professors I had were very helpful though office hours and emails. But I definitely had to put in some hours of study to learn all the material on my own.

Michael from Altoona, WI

07/19/2011

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Great for these types of students

I have visited the campus and it is beautiful , the Mississippi is right in it's backyard with plenty of trails, not to mention the bluffs for the adventurous types. The registration experience was painless as well the faculty genuinely want to help each student get the most from their experience. Not to mention the small class sizes will be a big benefit in being able to have one on one time with professors.

Elizabeth from Eden Prairie, MN

01/15/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Campus is very safe! Sometimes I want to say too safe, but it's better to be safe than sorry! There are Blue Lights located allover campus, where you can press an emergency button for campus security to come find you.

Greek Life

My best friend from grade school is involved in Winona State's greek life but I am honestly not a fan. There's not much to it but it is all annoying to me!

Clubs and Activities

I don't have time to do all the clubs I wish I could. I have spent most of my time involved with ultimate frisbee and was captain for the women's team for a while. This is so much fun and a great way to meet students and blow off some steam. I'm recently involved in Environmental club.. awesome for those who like to surround themselves by others that share a desire to protect the environment!

Great for these types of students

Winona State is great for students who like the outdoors. Recreation Tourism and Therapeutic Recreation has a lot to offer. This is not my major but these students have always been really interesting to me. They're energetic, fun, yet relaxed and always living in the moment.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The ultimate frisbee club has a tradition of playing the campus golf course. This is similar to frisbee golf, but the target for each hole is something on campus and you use beat up ultimate discs. This has been around for something like twenty years and has been able to stay relatively the same until a new building was added last year. It is great fun!

Bang for the buck

Compared to other schools this has a great bang for its buck. I still think the price of tuition is high but then I remember what students are paying at other schools for the same degree and education. There are great professors here, but it is ALWAYS good to know what the professor is like before you take up their course!

What to do for fun

Ultimate frisbee with friends has always been the fun thing to do. I like to get a disc out between classes in the courtyard and see who is around to throw a little.

Food and Dining

Chartwells is always trying to improve. I appreciate them trying to accomodate my vegan diet, but overall the food is not the healthiest. The salad bar is the best on days that they have spinach available!

Dorm Life

I lived in a single dorm away from the main campus for my freshman year and did not have a significantly enjoyable experience. Since then I have lived off campus and consider it to be much worse. I would go back to the dorms if living with my cat was not a priority!

Academic Rigor

A couple years ago when I was a freshman it was easy for me to fall behind in my schoolwork. My classes have always been laid back and less competitive. I have been able to find a way to push myself to succeed and achieve my own academic expectations.

Tips for prospective students

Become involved, don't limit your social circle, and know that the reason you are there is for an education.

In three sentences

Winona State, the first school for education west of the Mississippi, has a lot of history. It is a school that is always changing. The university can feel separate from the city even though it is right in the middle of town.

Elizabeth from Moorpark, CA

02/25/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

there are security guards on the bottom floor of my dorm, we can call security at any time if we think we are in trouble, and there are security posts around campus which you can press if you are in need of help. i feel very safe when i am on campus.

Greek Life

there is some, but i am not involved.

Clubs and Activities

i am involved in 5 clubs on campus and attend extra-curricular activites on a regular basis, and i enjoy this very much!

Great for these types of students

outdoorsy and active

Bang for the buck

tuition is very low compared to in california and it is easy for me to get into the classes i want in order to graduate on time.

What to do for fun

i love to do everything outdoors, and there are many fun outdoor activities in winona. downtown is a beautiful place to walk and there are plenty of good resturaunts, and there are also many museums available to explore.

Food and Dining

there is a large variety of food choices available, and chartwells works collaboratively with our residence hall association to meet the needs and wants of students on campus.

Dorm Life

i very much enjoy my experience with dorm life and i will be working as a resident assistant this upcoming year.

Academic Rigor

very challenging, but not too challenging to the point of being impossible. the staff is more than willing to help, so students simply need to ask.

this school has an amazing academic program which is both rigorous and challenging. it provides a community experience and makes sure students stay involved in campus events. the fact that winona is a technology school makes it very appealing as well as the fairly low cost of tuition.

Nicole from Northfield, MN

05/27/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

Climb bluffs and go to parks. Older students can be found at bars.

Food and Dining

Chartwells cafeteria does have options, but after a while you get sick of it. Salt in everything. Very bland and disappointing Asian entrees. Not always super vegetarian friendly. Weekend brunch is the best meal, Sunday dinner is the worst.

Dorm Life

Conway was small and easy to live in. However, I hated sharing a room. Sheehan is 13 floors of girls and I have heard some horror stories about move-in day trying to catch an elevator.

Academic Rigor

16 credits is a full course load at Winona. Many students also have jobs on the side.

Tips for prospective students

Visit the campus before attending. Too small for some people!

In three sentences

Winona is a beautiful town! The classes and professors are usually enjoyable. A good value overall.

Jerianne from Merrimac, WI

Someone who doesn't want a large campus. Great for someone who likes a small town feel but many of the services of a larger city.

What to do for fun

visit the lake and sugarloaf. Take in a club activity or sport. Attend the concerts and dances. Get involved.

Food and Dining

On campus and off, there is a lot of choices available.

Dorm Life

Made the best of your dorm time and meet other people. Step out of your comfort zone from time to time.

Academic Rigor

It will be what you make it. Take advantage of the mentoring the staff offers to you.

Tips for prospective students

Come check out the campus and meet the students. Take a quick tour around the city and feel at home. Talk to current students about the learning atmosphere.

In three sentences

Winona State is a small university where I feel like a part of the community. The class sizes work well for me and the Professors are here to help the students acheive their goals. The students here are friendly and fun.

Rebecca from Kellogg, MN

There are a few sororities and fraternities each! They host lots of fun events and are well known around campus!

Clubs and Activities

Too many to count!!

Great for these types of students

People who like to make life long friends, and receive a great education!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Campus events will be written on the sidewalks in chalk!

Bang for the buck

I believe this is the cheapest state school in Minnesota, BUT it is very, very nice quality!

What to do for fun

There are tons of intramural sports around the campus! Also, check the walls for signs and the ground for chalk signs of all the cool activities around campus! There are also two beautiful lakes a couple blocks from campus that have free canoeing and kayaking for students! and they are fun to walk, run, or bike around!

Food and Dining

The cafiteria food is fairly good. They even are eco-friendly! There are many other options besides the caf. as well.

Dorm Life

The dorms are kind of expensive, but they are worth it. They have 2 brand new dorm halls just built and a newly refurbished dorm as well. The rest of the dorm halls are not that old. If you live on west campus, ALL the rooms are quite huge!

Academic Rigor

There is a lot of competition academic wise. This college is huge with education degrees and nursing!

Tips for prospective students

If you decide to come here, you won't be disappointed! We have a smaller campus than most universities, but we are huge at heart! It's very easy to make friends around here. Most of the professors are very helpful and nice to all the students. Just make sure you ask lots of questions!!

In three sentences

It is a beautiful campus with many student activities going on everywhere! There are wonderful professors that WANT to help you succeed. Plus, it's a technology pro school, where every student receives a laptop from the school.

Michael from Winona, MN

Whatever you choose! There are several sand volleyball courts spread throughout campus (by the dorms); basketball, racquetball, badminton, other volleyball courts inside the Integrated Wellness Center (IWC)/Memorial Hall; lakes to run/walk/jog/bike/roller blade around; kayaking and canoeing in the spring through fall months; plus anything else you come up with!

Food and Dining

Most all the time, the all-you-can-eat cafeteria has a wide variety of foods to select from for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with the option to dine in the lower level, in the food court, restaurant-style.

Rigor really depends on the major of study, but to do well (B+ worth or better), one must commit at least the same amount of time outside of class to study or do homework as he or she is in class.

Tips for prospective students

As always, look into several/many schools before choosing the one to attend. Do your best to narrow your interests to one or two before making the final decision.

In three sentences

Winona State University is a great, beautiful school! Especially in the fall. Biggest issue I had with WSU was with the Financial Aid Office; however, the issue was not all that difficult to overcome. It was just the timing of when I finally found out there was a problem that was the issue with that.

Jocelyn from Hanover Park, IL

06/08/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

You can go hiking up to Garvin Heights or up to Sugarloaf. There are always people at Latsch Beach when the weather is nice out also. Downtown Winona isn't too far of a walk, but having a car there would make it easier.

Food and Dining

There are good varieties of food, but the one thing that displeased me was that during lent there were not many meatless options. The Smaug on the other hand has, what I believe to be, great food. You do have to use dining dollars, purple pass, cash, or credit/debit cards for that though.

Dorm Life

The dorms on main campus aren't too bad. They are in the process of remodeling most of them. On main campus Richards, Conway, and Prentiss-Lucas all have sinks in the room which I though was a nice addition. I am not so sure about the rooms on West Campus because I did not live there. Just beware of your roommate if you do not know them before attending the University. The University only asks 2 questions for room assignments. The questions are: Are you a smoker? and Would you mind being placed in a room with a smoker?. Also, I tried being good friends with my roommate and we ended up not talking by the end of semester. Try not to spend all of your time in the dorms. There are activities in the dorms for you to participate in, but I would suggest getting involved in the many clubs and activities Winona State has to offer.

Academic Rigor

If you have your major picked out, counselors will place you into the four year program which consists of about 17 credits a semester. If you do not follow this, there is no guarantee that you will graduate in four years.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure that you would like to attend a university on a smaller scale. Other than that, the campus is gorgeous and extremely easy to navigate. Coming from a bigger city and being so close to Chicago, The town was entirely too small for me and I am looking to transfer.

In three sentences

Winona State University is a great school if you like smaller atmospheres. It has excellent career paths for most people. It is also a laptop university which is also a perk of the University.

Zachary from Minnesota City, MN

There are clubs for everything and if there isn't one for you it is easy enough to start your own.

Food and Dining

The food is good for the price, but for a college student it is great.

Dorm Life

I didn't live in the dorms so I can't say.

Academic Rigor

As an engineering major the classes are tough and if you plan te have an engineering major at WSU be sure to start in the fall because you will e set back if you don't.

Tips for prospective students

In your senior year don't take the easy classes, set yourself up for success and challenge yourself in the class room. If you can take post secondary classes for college credit it will make the transition that much easier.

Dani from Winona, MN

Campus is a very safe place. Security is always around and available, plus there are emergency poles scattered around campus if you are ever in need of any help.

Greek Life

Don't!

Clubs and Activities

Join Health Advocates!

What to do for fun

If your ever bored, grab some of your friends and head to the beach! You can also explore the down town area to shop. Join various clubs and sports teams with your friends!

Food and Dining

Food in the caf is usually fairly good. They offer many options as well as having additional eating areas also included in your meal plan. If none of this food interests you, their are many other places around the community that you can get your favorite food and snacks at.

Dorm Life

Do as many dorm related activites as you can! This will help you meet new people that share interests with you. Not every one is going to be your best friend, but you would be surprised how close you become with some people. Try to keep a good relationship with your roommate. They will play a huge role in how well things in the dorm go for the year.

Academic Rigor

The classes at Winona are very manageable. If you put in the time to learn the material, your classes will be fine. Teachers want you to succeed and if you ask for help, they will gladly help you.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved in as many ways that you can! Join clubs that interest you during the club fair and sign up for intermural sports with your friends. Be open to everything and don't be afraid to do the things that YOU want to do. Join an activity that is interesting and new to you, even if none of your friends are. This is a great way to meet new people and learn new things!

In three sentences

Winona is a beautiful campus due to the lakes, river and bluffs! It is also the perfect size, not too big and not too small, plus the community is extremely welcoming. Classes are easy to find and help is plentiful for whatever you need.

Kelsey from Eagan, MN, MN

Security is always available by a phone number to assist you and pick you up whenever needed, no matter what time, 24/7.

Clubs and Activities

I was not in clubs but the activities that the university held were always fun and creative!

Great for these types of students

People who are willing to be in a boring town but a fun campus with lots of connections to meet people! It's all about who you know. Also, there are a lot of people there that are into gossip and drama. They seem to be still stuck in high school in a sense.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Bluff Climbing to the top and overlooking the city is a must and is the biggest tradition.

What to do for fun

Climbing the bluffs is what most people do in their free time. Otherwise, hanging out with friends at houses or dorm rooms.

Food and Dining

The food is super unhealthy all there usually is are chicken nuggets, burgers, pizza, and fries. Typical cafeteria food. Expect to gain weight, I sure did!

Dorm Life

Activities are fun on West Campus, they really act like a community there and insure your safety and happiness.

Academic Rigor

The professors are usually easy, and very understanding and helpful.

Tips for prospective students

Just be yourself, have confidence, and work hard. Friends and meeting people will come with time. You will get college down in no time! Also, DON'T WEAR YOUR LANYARD I.D. AROUND YOUR NECK! You will get made fun of. It's a huge deal there.

In three sentences

It has great professors that are really willing to help students succeed. I love the atmosphere because it is a beautiful campus and easy to get around. It is a small enough school that you can meet plenty of people and they even offer great opportunities to meet people!

There is a variety of food offered throughout campus that can fill anyone's craving. However, like any place that is created to serve thousands of people in a day the quality of the food isn't always the best.

Dorm Life

The staff is always friendly, even late at night. The dorms always have at least 2 or 3 events a week.

Academic Rigor

The classes require work and dedication. Some professors are tougher than others. The good news is that the professors are always willing to answer questions, set up meetings and help their students succeed.

Tips for prospective students

Visit the campus, it is right in the middle of the town of Winona and has a small town feel. The atmosphere of the campus has a very fresh feel surrounded by small town culture and wilderness.

In three sentences

Winona State University is a small campus that is full of character. The University doesn't see their students as just numbers. The school is full of opportunities and the staff wants to see their students succeed.

Allison from Faribault, MN

08/28/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

There is a campus police here, and they are tightly knit with the local police. All over the campus there are emergency poles that you can run to if you feel unsafe. There is also the campus safety number that you can call if you feel unsafe walking alone in any way or just want someone to come and check something out.

Greek Life

I am not personally sure of this but I have heard multiple times that the greek life here is not the best. So if that a part of college life you want, I suggest some other college.

Clubs and Activities

There is such a vast selection of clubs on campus. There is even a Harry Potter club where they go out and play quidditch. Whatever you are into, I am sure they have it.

Great for these types of students

Winona is great for outdoorsy type of people, or anyone who likes to work out or be active.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Right in the middle of the campus there is a huge white gazebo. It is utterly gorgeous, and kind of the place you go if you are turned around.

What to do for fun

There are so many great things to do in Winona. It is absolutely beautiful here, and it seems like the choices of things to do are endless, if not overwhelming. You can canoe or kayak, long board or play volleyball, tan or go work out. It's all what you make it.

Food and Dining

The food is great, the servers are nice, and there is a rather fantastic variety. The only down part of the food and dining here are the hours. You really have to make sure you know them otherwise you will be sitting in your dorm eating ramen noodles.

Dorm Life

It's all about what you make of it. If you go in with a negatve attitude and expect the dorms to be an absolute pain, then of course, your experience will be horrible in itself. But on the flip side, if you go in with a positive attitude, keep your dorm door open when you are in your room, and make sure you keep an open mind, then the dorm life can be some of the best years of your life.

Academic Rigor

In many classes you need to put in a few hours of work and make sure to attend classes. If you do not put in the work and keep up with attendance school will be miserably hard, but if you do, school can turn out to be rather challenging in the best way possible.

Tips for prospective students

If I had to give one tip to a prospective student, I would say to keep your priorities straight. School always comes first. Do not let your roommate, your friends, or significant other distract you from completing and doing your absolute best in your academic life because that is what is important.

In three sentences

The campus is beautiful and pristine; it is also super well kept which is nice. The dorms are also well kept, and seem to be newly furnished but are super hot in the late month of August. I have not had one professor that I have not liked; they are all really fair, but still hard enough to make you work for a good grade.

Sara from Winona, MN

11/16/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

There are so many activities to do not only at Winona State University but also in the Winona community! There are always campus events happening during the days within the university. And there are also fun movies and sporting events!

Food and Dining

Each meal here is as delicious as a homemade meal. The servers are even as friendly as family! The cafeterias are also always very clean.

Dorm Life

The dorms at Winona State University are awesome! The RA's really do a great job at getting everyone involved by planning multiple activities. They are also full of wonderful people!

Academic Rigor

Since the classroom sizes are usually smaller it really makes it easy to ask questions. Although some classes can be more difficult the professors are always super willing to help.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved, especially during welcome week! This will help you meet so many peers. Also make time to meet with your professors though out each semester.

In three sentences

Winona State University has great classroom sizes, they are the perfect size to interact with the professors. Everyone is very helpful, the advisers and professors always make time for you. Also there are many clubs and organizations offered here in Winona

Minnestoa nice! Roommates are generally super nice and having an international student is also really good. There are new dorms and the East lake apartments are awesome.

Academic Rigor

Content area course are tough but they should be, so you get out of here being confident in your abilities and knowledge.

Tips for prospective students

Sign up for the vast number of clubs and support groups available!

In three sentences

It is a friendly small town college with beautiful bluffs, lakes, and the Mississippi River. There are very good programs and professors to help you succeed. It is a good place to focus, grow, and learn.

Katheryn from Winona, MN

WSU campus security is made up of students, who are trained in first aid and CPR, and led by a police officer who has worked in the field for over 30 years.

Clubs and Activities

There are options for everyone! There are religious clubs for several denominations, as well as non denominational clubs. There are sports clubs, academic clubs, frats and sororities, outdoor interests, LBGTQ organizations, video game club, anime club, art club, ballroom dancing club......the list goes on! There are many intramurals offered as well.

Bang for the buck

WSU is a public university, so prices are comparable with other public schools. In addition to room and board, and tuition costs, you also receive a laptop (your choice of a Mac or PC), tech support, and an updated computer every two years. In addition, Winona State is highly regarded and has an excellent reputation for their Education and Nursing programs in particular. If students don't like traditional dorms, there are apartment and suite options for upperclassmen, for extremely reasonable rates.

What to do for fun

Winona is a gorgeous little town in southern Minnesota, right across the Wisconsin border. There are many outdoor options, like hiking, biking, rock climbing, swimming and kayaking. WSU UPAC (student organization), regularly offers activities and events like free or reduced bowling, reduced movies, dances, and trips to sports events and theater productions. In addition, WSU hosts a annual spring concert, where groups like Easton Corbin, Skillet, and George Watsky have performed. While Winona doesn't have a lot of chain restaurants or big movie theaters, it is located just 45 minutes east of Rochester, MN, home of Mayo Clinic. Rochester is a great option for some of those big city amenities that you may miss in Winona.

Food and Dining

The Jack Kane Dining Center is pretty good food. I wouldn't call it fantastic, but it is good. There are many different options - vegetarian, pasta line, grill line, sandwich line, pizza, salad bar, main entree, soup, breakfast foods, desserts, burger line. These are all offered at both lunch and dinner. I also appreciate the to-go box option, where students can get a to-go box and bring food back to their dorm if they don't want to eat in the dining center or don't have time.

Dorm Life

I am not really a outgoing type of person, so I didn't participate in many residence hall events. I can however, vouch for the quality of the RAs. Both years living in campus housing, I had wonderful RAs who took the time to get to know me personally and still make a point of saying hi when they see me. They took the time to ask my opinion and ask questions. These RAs made the residence halls feel like home.

Academic Rigor

I have been blessed to be taught by talented professors who care about the subjects they are teaching. They are available for questions and truly care about helping their students succeed. In addition, they are interested in hearing about how graduates are performing in their field. The courses I have taken have helped me prepare for my future as a elementary teacher.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved right away! There are so many options available. Enjoy the natural beauty Winona has to offer.

Jordann from Lena, WI

Winona State is a very safe campus. The university offers 24/7 security.

What to do for fun

Winona State offers many activities to do for fun. Some of these activities are located on and off campus. These may include, kayaking, hiking the bluffs, attending a movie, and athletic events.

Food and Dining

Winona State offers many different dining options. There are two main buffet style food options, one on main capus and one on west. On main campus their is also a location to buy from different fast-food type resturants.

Dorm Life

Winona State offers many different dorms to choose from. Some dorms offer more of a suite style while other are single rooms or a room shared with multiple people. Winona State also offers housing on a separate campus a few blocks away from main campus, which gives students the opportunity to feel like they are going home after classes.

Academic Rigor

The courses at Winona State are about equal to any other college level courses. Depending on your major, you may be asked to take up to 16 credits per semester to finish in 4 years.

Tips for prospective students

My tip for prospective students is to really look around at different schools and find a great match that fits not only your academic goals but personal goals as well.

In three sentences

Winona has a small town atmosphere, which really makes you feel at home. Winona State has great professors, great programs, and a great learning atmosphere. Not only does Winona offer great things academically, it also offers many social and outdoor gatherings.

Samuel from Waukesha, WI

Always one of the top rated campus's in the nation. The security guards work along with the local police, and fire departments to assure the safety of students at Winona State University.

Bang for the buck

Compared to other Universities in Wisconsin and Minnesota, Winona State maybe one of the cheapest, for the same classes.

What to do for fun

If you are an outdoors-men, there are plenty of activities to do along the Mississippi River, and the lakes around campus. There are also numerous parks surrounding the campus, not to mention the downtown scene when a person is 21 is a nice way to enjoy Winona.

Food and Dining

The caf gets repetitive and bland after a while, but the school has a lot of options on campus, in an area we call the Smaug. Plenty of fast food and local restaurants will keep anybody happy.

Dorm Life

Once again, doesn't change too much compared to other schools. The big thing is that Winona State is a dry campus ,meaning no alcohol on campus, so if you plan on partying, don't get caught in the dorms because you will get kicked out.

Academic Rigor

Winona State University is like any other state school, depending on what classes you take and what your major is, the classes will vary on how difficult they are. The classes are never as bad as what you will read online though.

Tips for prospective students

Come into college with an open mind. Meet new people, and enjoy the college life too, because you will learn more about yourself and what you want to do with your life from these experiences.

Emma from Winona, MN

02/25/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Clubs and Activities

Join any club and many clubs! You don't have to stay in all of them, but it is a super great way to meet people and get involved. You may even learn something and become a great leader (looks good on your resume).

What to do for fun

Hiking up the bluffs, play ultimate frisbee by the lake, bike anywhere and everywhere since downtown Winona is pretty close to campus. Also, kayak, canoe, snow shoe, skate, and much more! Take advantage of the bluffs and the Mississippi River!

Food and Dining

Food on campus had an average variety of options both healthy and delicious. The prices were high like any campus, but definitely better than I could have made myself. Dining hours were pretty average as well.

Dorm Life

Dorms are located right on campus (not including the East Lake Apartments and West Campus dormitories). RA's are fun and provide a variety of activities in the dorms or on campus. I lived in the dorms for 4 years and it was great!

Tips for prospective students

Come for a college visit during the Spring or Summer when it is beautiful! You can go hiking, canoeing, kayaking, walk/bike around the lake! College students get to do all of this for free!

In three sentences

Wonderful Geoscience program and department. The professors are personable, wonderful, fun, and great teachers! The campus is small enough and the community is active and fun!

Emma from Rochester, MN

09/03/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

I walk back to the dorms from the library at 2 in the morning and feel completely safe. You can also call for an escort if you are not as comfortable as myself. And they have those emergency buttons with a very quick response.

Greek Life

Not involved, but I have a friend who is. She's met a ton of girls that she now calls good friends.

Clubs and Activities

Tons of clubs and activities. You'll find something you like.

Great for these types of students

Students who don't want a campus that is so big you get lost nor so small you end up knowing everybody and everybody knows you.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

We like to wear purple on Fridays.

Bang for the buck

Winona can be loud or it can be boring, depending on the weekend. But if you try hard enough, there's always something to do.

What to do for fun

You can climb the bluffs, rent kayaks for free with your student ID, run or walk or bike the lake paths, hit up the beach across the bridge, go to a movie or bar downtown or find an event on campus.

Food and Dining

The food is good. There's a main menu line, a grill line, a pasta line, a salad bar, and a sandwich making line. There's also an ala carte store in the basement as well as a Subway type thing and a burger place and a convenience store. You'll find something you like basically no matter what. I miss the caf now that I have to cook myself!

Dorm Life

The dorms were very fun. A little difficult to get work done in as it is constantly having your friends around. But it's fun! My sophomore year, I ended up living with 4 other girls that I met in the dorms!

Academic Rigor

It kind of depends on your program. I'm in the nursing program so it's quite difficult. The first two years weren't terrible. But the two years of nursing program are challenging for sure. A huge workload.

Tips for prospective students

Winona is a beautiful place. There are a lot of parties here if you like that, but if not, it might be a little crazy for you!

In three sentences

Winona is a nice-sized campus for people who don't want anything to big or too small. The nursing program is incredible and well-respected. I just finished week one of the program and can already tell the incredible amount of work will be well worth it.

Tana from Winona, MN

01/07/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Being involved in the Winona Police Reserves, I have had many experiences in interacting with the security guards on site at Winona Statue University. They are always helpful and willing to assist students in any way possible, weather it is walking them to their destination or calling the local authorities if an issue arrises.

Greek Life

I am aware that there are many fraternities and sororities to join in Winona. These are excellent ways to meet new people and create long lasting friendships. The greek life around campus are known for their volunteer work around the area as well. I have many friends that take part in the greek life on campus and enjoy it and the camaraderie that comes along with it thoroughly.

Clubs and Activities

Winona State offers more that 180 clubs and organizations to chose from, and it is almost certain you will be able to find one that meets your interests and career goals. This is an excellent way to meet people who share common interests and get involved in bettering the community and yourself. Our clubs and organizations are very involved in the community.

Great for these types of students

Being a member of the military, attending a school with educated, helpful, veteran affairs counselors was a top priority for me. They have been nothing but helpful and work diligently to assure you receive the help you need. Whenever I have a question regarding military tuition assistance or benefits they are always ready and willing to answer my questions.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There is a gazebo in the very center of campus that you will pass as you walk through. Many people will sit in the gazebo in between their classes and eat a snack or work on homework with some friends when the weather in nice.

Bang for the buck

Winona State gives you the bang for your buck. At many larger Universities you are taught by teaching assistants until your junior or senior year. At Winona you have real professors who have earned their doctorates. The class sizes are realistic and all of my professors thus far have been willing to help me after hours with whatever I was struggling with. Winona State also has a new wellness center and gym that I go to frequently and it is always kept in good condition!

What to do for fun

Downtown Winona offers many options as far as what to do with your time off! There are many bars you can check out (if you're of age!) and shops and restaurants in the downtown area to try out. Winona also has an abundance of hiking trails in the bluffs, or you can drive up to Garvin Heights lookout and see all of Winona from above! The path around the lakes are often walked, rollerbladed, biked, or ran around. You can do whatever suits you best!

Food and Dining

Winona State has an excellent dining facility with many options as for the types of food it offers each day! I loved days I ate at school and not at my apartment because of all the options I had! They always had fresh fruit which was definitely a plus!

Dorm Life

I personally opted out of living in the dorms at Winona State University. I lived off-campus in an apartment my first year and am currently still off-campus. I do however believe that living in the dorms has it's definite benefits. living in the dorms is an excellent way to meet people. My friend who lived on campus made many friends their first year who lived in their dorms. The dorms are integrated in campus as well, so you won't have to worry about finding a parking spot or walking a long way to get to class.

Academic Rigor

I have pushed myself academically since attending Winona State, and I owe it all to my professors. Classes were much harder than high school classes I had taken, but it is what is to be expected for a University. You WILL have to buckle down and study harder than you ever have before but I promise you the outcome will be worth it.

Tips for prospective students

As for college tips in general, I would say it is important to be true to yourself and make the most of your time here. Ask questions of your professors and peers. Branch out and try new things. Make memories and have new experiences but remember that above all you are here for an education. To better yourself and prepare for your future. Time flies by, so don't take anything for granted!

In three sentences

I am a proud student of Winona State University. My college experience so far, being a sophomore, has been phenomenal! Winona State university fulfills all my needs including meeting educational goals, planning for my future, meeting a diverse group of students my age, and many social opportunities to engage in on campus.

Travis from MN

02/25/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

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In three sentences

I am a freshman at Winona. I have learned that you definately have to use your time wisely and study! Classes are definately harder than high school. If you fall behind in a class take advantage of tutors available! College life is fun, you have your independence! But remember in the long run you will have to pay back your loans so make sure you have a degree to show for it.

The Student Union is probably the best place to study or just hang out if the Library is too quiet for you.

Bang for the buck

Winona is considerably cheaper than other MnSCU schools. There's room for improvement with a few things like food and things to do for fun.

What to do for fun

There isn't a whole lot to do for fun around Winona unless you're really involved in things like clubs or school organizations. Otherwise the only thing to do is go to parties or Za's.

Food and Dining

The food isn't terrible, but it's not great. There isn't always a lot of variety and the food gets repetitive. You will eat the exact same thing for many days at a time like nachos, pasta, and sandwiches. The breakfast (specifically Sunday, because there's french toast) is actually pretty good.

Dorm Life

The dorms have a lot of rules you are expected to follow, but if you follow them it's not a big deal. There's different dorm experiences for each dorm hall.

Academic Rigor

The courses at Winona can be great, but some can be challenging. Most professors are more than willing to help, tutors are also available.

In three sentences

Winona is a nice school. It's a small town so there's not much to do. There is little to no diversity in students and professors.

Leah from Shoreview, MN

Security is great on campus, and there is 24 hour pickup for anyone who needs a ride somewhere if they are drunk or stuck after the shuttle ends at 2AM.

Clubs and Activities

I was only in the LGBT club, but there are a variety of clubs on campus that look really fun.

Great for these types of students

For people who love karaoke, there are plenty of opportunities throughout the year to sing your heart out on both campuses. On west campus where I stayed, there is a coffeehouse attached to the cafeteria where people perform every Thursday, and it is pretty fun most nights, especially karaoke night.

What to do for fun

Honestly, this school is a party school, but besides partying, there isn't too much to do. There is a movie theatre, bowling alley, and events on campus occasionally. Grocery bingo takes place every few months. If it is warm out, you can go on a bike ride, canoe in the Mississippi, hike the bluffs, or play volleyball. You have to drive to Lacrosse to find more fun things.

Food and Dining

The food was pretty good, and there was a nice variety to choose from. I loved eating on campus. There is a pasta bar, sandwich line, salad bar, fruit, and many other options.

Dorm Life

The dorms can get loud at times, but I enjoyed meeting new people, and being in a single. There wasn't always a lot to do, but the staff planned quite a few fun evenings.

Academic Rigor

This school has pretty easy courses, but enough challenge to make it worth all of the effort at the end of the semester. Some teachers pile on readings, but you just have to manage your time.

Tips for prospective students

Check the rate my professor site before you register, know what classes you want to take so that you don't end up with bad professors, and go to the staff if you have any questions. Become friends with your RA, he or she can be a big help to you.

In three sentences

Winona State offered many different classes, and the education was great for a college freshman who didn't know what to expect. There are a variety of majors, and the staff is very helpful. I enjoyed the atmosphere and location of this school.

Mackenzie from Winona, MN

The campus has plenty of resources, including the security and call buttons all around campus.

Greek Life

Winona is definitely not known for its sororities.

Clubs and Activities

They offer inter medial sports teams that you can sign up for with friends. You pick your teams.

Great for these types of students

Nursing and Education majors.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There's always people hanging around outside Prentiss-Lucas. It tends to be the meeting place for partiers/drunk people. So, be aware that it gets loud.

Bang for the buck

Honestly, walking around campus you can tell why Winona is so much less expensive than other universities. It doesn't have as much to offer.

What to do for fun

Winona has a lot of scenic things to do, like hike the bluffs or kayak on the lake.

Food and Dining

The caf had pretty good food, but weekend food was always pretty bad.

Dorm Life

Do your research and check layouts. Main campus dorms are much smaller than west campus dorms.

Academic Rigor

It really depends on the course and professor for difficulty. As long as you're not afraid to ask questions, you should be okay.

Tips for prospective students

Do your research on your intended major/minor. Make sure you look at classes as well to see what they offer.

In three sentences

WSU is a good school specifically for nursing and education majors. The town of Winona is pretty quaint. The school in general doesn't have a whole lot to offer compared to other larger universities in Minnesota.

Emily from Brookfield, WI

In my personal opinion, I have never been afraid on this campus. There is a great security program and the lights are on at night. It is a very safe campus.

Greek Life

I am not personally into greek life but there is plenty of it here if you are interested. All of the sororities and fraternities are really fun and everyone is super friendly. It is a great way to meet new people and make life long friends.

Clubs and Activities

There are so many clubs on campus it would be impossible to not find anything you like or enjoy. Whether it be the school or the club, there are constantly activities available to go to on or off campus. On campus is usually sporting events, hypnotists, comedy acts, bands and such. Off campus they have sponsored $3 movie nights and free bowling nights as well.

Great for these types of students

The college is small and a lot of the classes are pretty small to. It is a great school to be closer to your professors and classmates.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

I can't think of any unusual traditions off of the top of my head. There is one location on campus that is just known as the very center. There is a big white gazebo and if you stand at the gazebo you can see every building on campus.

Bang for the buck

It is a more expensive public school BUT they provide you with a lap top (which is really awesome) and a mini iPad. The school is very technology based which ends up being really convenient because you don't have to cary around as much crap because so much of it is on your computer.

What to do for fun

There is always something on campus that you can do. There are many activities and shows that are put on throughout the year. Otherwise it is just a short walk to downtown Winona which has everything any city would need (like a movie theatre and bowling alleyâ?¦). If one of these doesn't appeal for you then, there are plenty of sporting events and outdoorsy activities. Hiking up to Garvin or to Sugar Loaf is always good fun, especially when you get to the top and get to witness such a miraculous view of the bluffs and Winona. There are also the lakes that you can walk around or bike or rollerblade. You can also go fishing or swimming or kayaking. There are endless possibilities for you to encounter for fun.

Food and Dining

There are TONS of options provided in the cafeteria. Personally I prefer to eat in the smaug because I am obsessed with mondo's sub's.

Dorm Life

The rooms are small, but it is so much fun to get to know your neighbors and create new friendships with people in the dorms. There are also a lot of activities put on in the dorms where you can win free stuff or get free food.

Academic Rigor

Classes can be difficult but as long as you DO THE WORK and go to class, you should have the materials that you need to succeed.

Tips for prospective students

Winona is a great school. I would highly suggest living in the Dorms your first year because that is by far one of the best ways to meet new people. Also, there is a lake lodge on the big lake and you should definitely pay the $5 for a year long membership. You get to go kayaking or canoeing or paddle boating and there are activities held there too. I would suggest trying to join a club or two because that is also a great way to meet new people. The school is super supportive of its students. They have so many ways that you can get help if you are having a hard time understanding what is going on in classes. There are tutoring centers, you can always create a study group with fellow classmates, or the professors are normally more than willing to help out and really want you to succeed in their classes.

In three sentences

Winona is a great place to go for the full college experience. The academics here are great and the professors are very helpful. There is also so much stuff to do in and around Winona, especially when it comes to outdoorsy activities.

Athitaya from Winona, MN

I feel like because it's small and most people who live in town are students. The place is really safe. You can walk alone at night and there will be campus security and cops around campus at night.

Greek Life

I didn't join any fraternity or sorority.

Clubs and Activities

Depends on what club you wanna join. There are many of them. You'll make a lot of friends and learn more about the opportunities during the club meeting.

Great for these types of students

Good for students who are not competitive, laid back, like being in a small town, and students who have their own car.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There are not that many international students or students with different races compared to colleges in the cities. However, they promote the diversity really well.

Bang for the buck

Things are not that expensive in Winona. I'd say the college is worth the money since it's WSU is not expensive at all. Almost all of the people who go there, pick WSU because it's not expensive. There are a lot of scholarships offered for you with particular major and it's very easy to get more scholarship as long as you keep your GPA 3.00 or higher.

What to do for fun

Winona is a very quiet town. It is almost depressing during the school break because most people who live in town are students. It is nothing to do in town even downtown. There are a couple of attractions and places like bowling place, lake for canoeing or kayaking, mountain for hiking and site seeing, and a movie theater. People normally go out of town either to the cities (Twin cities), or out of state to have fun. If you wanna shop at like Forever 21, Macy's, and stuff like that, there's none in Winona.

Food and Dining

The food in the cafe is vary from breakfast, lunch/brunch, and dinner. They have soups, stir-fried with your choice of meat (or vegetarian), sauces like teriyaki, spicy paste, and etc. But it's pretty much the same almost everyday. Now the food that's not in the cafe, they offer pasta with different sauces, grilled chicken, garlic or chese bread and meatball, they also offer sub sandwiches, burgers, fries, mexican food, sushi, and other asian food with your own choice. The store is nice too. It has snacks, coffee, hot chocolate, and smoothies.

Dorm Life

The dorms was not worth the money at all. They are super small and not many single room choices. But you make more friends living in the dorm than off-campus.

Academic Rigor

There aren't a lot of choices of professors to take because WSU is very small. The thing is if you find yourself don't like or don't do good with one particular professor, in higher level classes you still have to take that professor. You basically have no choice. In some classes, the professors are super helpful and easy but some professors there were just not helpful at all.

Tips for prospective students

To get into WSU is not that hard. Good GPA (and TOEFL for international student). Some students never took SAT or ACT score and still got admitted. But if you want to be eligible for a lot of scholarships, take the SAT or ACT exam. Go for the university tour BEFORE you decide!

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